Erickson, Swen (1856-1921)

ERICKSON, BURKLUND, BJORKLUND, NILSDOTTER, JENNINGS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
April 28, 1921

SWEN ERICKSON DIES SUDDENLY MONDAY OF HEART FAILURE

Swen Erickson died very suddenly Monday at his farm home two miles east of Stratford Monday afternoon about 3:20. He had been working abut the farm and came to the house and complained of a severe pain in his side. After Mrs. Erickson had applied simple home remedies he went out into the yard returning in a short time again and complaining of the severe pain. He seated himself in a chair and a few minutes later his lifeless body slid to the floor. Medical aid was summoned but it was learned that death was due to heart trouble and had been instantaneous.

The entire community was shocked to learn of his sudden death. He was 65 years old and was one of the influential farmers of the community, and very highly respected. His sudden death comes as a very sad blow to the bereaved wife and children.

Stratford Courier
May 5, 1921

Swen Erickson was born in Skåne, Sweden, February 14, 1856, and died April 25, 1921, at the age of 65 years, 2 months, 11 days.

He came to this country with his parents [Lars and Anna Nilsdotter Erickson] at the age of 12 years, locating near Des Moines, who then moved to Minnesota where they lived for a few years. Deceased then came back to Iowa and settled on a farm south of Stanhope. This place he purchased and lived on for more than 30 years, moving from there to his farm east of Stratford seven years ago where he passed away.

He was united in marriage to Martha Burklund [Bjorklund], December 10, 1883. To this union six children were born, one son dying in infancy, and another son, Albert, passing away in 1912 at the age of 23 years. The surviving children are: Emil, who resides on the old home farm south of Stanhope, Mrs. Anna Jennings of Livermore, Iowa; Miss Esther and Reuben both of whom are living at home. Besides the grief stricken wife and children, he leaves one granddaughter, Caryl Jennings; one sister, Miss Anna Erickson of Stratford, many other relatives and many hosts of friends.

He was confirmed in the Lutheran church at Madrid when about 18 years of age. For almost a quarter of a century he had been a member of the South Marion M.E. Church.

Deceased was an honest and upright man. He was very well known in this portion of the county and highly respected by large numbers of friends. He was a loving husband and a kind father and his sudden passing will be keenly felt in the home where he had toiled so many years for the welfare of his loved ones.

Funeral services were held from the home Wednesday of last week at 1:30 o'clock and continued at the M.E. church in Stratford in charge of the pastor, Rev. F.W. Wilson, assisted by Rev. C.G. Bengtson. The pallbearers were old time friends of the deceased: O.W. Holstrum, J.W. Swedlund, M.R. Peterson, Albert Carlson, Alfred Erickson and John Erickson. Interment was made in the South Marion Cemetery.

Card of Thanks

To the many kind friends and neighbors, who assisted us in the bereavement of our beloved husband and father, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks. Especially do we wish to thank those who rendered the beautiful songs; and also for the many flowers sent. May God bless you all. Mrs. Swen Erickson and children.